The choir was founded 50 years ago, and alumni have been invited to
attend the fair to honor Thomas, who died in 1991. The alumni reunion on Aug. 2 and 3 will include
concerts in his honor.

Thomas directed the choir until his death, when Charles Snyder, the current director, took
over.

On July 11, Snyder was put on leave by fair manager Virgil Strickler because of an
investigation of reportedly illegal sexual conduct by a former staff member of the choir. Zachary
R. Ruppel, 26, has been charged with soliciting nude pictures and sex acts from two boys in
exchange for membership in the 200-member choir.

The fair will open on Wednesday for a 12-day run. Gov. John Kasich will participate in the
opening ceremony at 9 a.m. at the Cardinal Gate, where the fair's youth choir and band will
perform.

In honor of opening day, all visitors will be admitted for $3 until 3 p.m.